Labuan Bajo will have a new look that will attract the local and foreign tourists and investors.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has inspected the readiness of the Wae Kelambu Multipurpose Terminal, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.

"Today, I reviewed the first special logistics terminal in NTT ahead of its inauguration by President Joko Widodo on Thursday," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The President's directives to make Labuan Bajo the main tourist destination in Indonesia stipulates it is necessary to reorganize the area, he said.

"Therefore, to promote tourism and optimize logistical activities, we decided to separate the port for the two activities. Passengers and tourist ships will dock at the existing Labuan Bajo Port," he said.

Meanwhile, logistics activities will be carried out in the Wae Kelambu Terminal, which is around 10 to 12 kilometers (km) from the first port, he continued.

Sumadi stressed the establishment of the terminal is part of the ministry’s commitment to continue developing the transportation infrastructure, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related news: Jokowi inaugurates Mopah Airport terminal in Merauke

"Construction began in August 2020 and completed in April 2021. Before we begin operations, we made a number of preparations comprising safety, the readiness of the human resources, and the preparation of terminal facilities," he said.

The multipurpose terminal aims to facilitate traffic, as well as the loading and unloading activities of various commodities, according to the Labuan Bajo Port Master Plan in the Ministerial Decree of Transportation Number KM 117/2021.

"With the completion of the construction of the Wae Kelambu Multipurpose Terminal and the ongoing revitalization of the existing Labuan Bajo Port, Labuan Bajo will have a new look that will attract local and foreign tourists and investors. In addition, it will also create job opportunities for people in Labuan Bajo and surrounding regions," Sumadi added.

He also reviewed the development of the Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport project.

Related news: Jakarta to convert parks near Grogol Terminal into MSME kiosks

Translator: Adimas Fahky, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021